Security and retention device for a handgun

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to an automatic safety and retention device for a gun holster, preferably for a handgun. The inventive device comprises a cover ( 5 ) which connects the outer side ( 2 ) and the inner side ( 3 ) of the holster body at the top thereof and which pivots forward from a closed position to an open position under the action of at least one part of the hand of the carrier when the gun is being removed from the holster or spontaneously by the gun when it is being placed in the holster.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a Continuation-in-Part of International Application No. PCT/BE2004/000120, filed Aug. 25, 2004 that claims the benefit of European Patent Application No. 03447218.3, filed Aug. 28, 2003.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an automatic security and retention cover for a holster, in particular intended for an individual handgun.

Such a cover belongs to the secured retention device of the gun in its holster which is intended to be automatically operational:

-   from the moment when the single operation of putting the gun into     its holster is performed; -   until the moment when the holder himself decides to draw the gun     from its holster by a natural movement of taking the gun in his     hand, with the intention of using it, without any other operation.

The invention also relates to the handgun holster implementing said security and retention cover.

TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND AND STATE OF THE ART

Users of handguns, and mainly those maintaining public order, want a holster in which the gun is securely held until the moment when the holder decides to draw it from the holster.

The gun must also remain secured during violent activities that may be required by operations to maintain public security including during physical contact. The holster must prevent the removal of the gun by other unauthorised persons. It must nevertheless allow rapid withdrawal of the gun by the holder in the event of need. This movement must not only be quick but also simple, secured and compatible with a stress situation.

Various systems for the security and retention of a handgun in a holster are known but these do not in themselves and in all cases have the combination of the above-mentioned desired features.

Holsters for handguns have been the subject matter of a large number of patents/patent applications, such as for instance US-A-2002/153 396, WO-A-02 057 701, US-A-20002/017 541, U.S. Pat. No. 6,283,351, EP-A-0 971 196, U.S. Pat. No. 5,855,305, U.S. Pat. No. 5,451,023, U.S. Pat. No. 5,419,474, U.S. Pat. No. 5,395021, U.S. Pat. No. 5,150,825, U.S. Pat. No. 4,934,574, U.S. Pat. No. 4,836,425, U.S. Pat. No. 4,721,238, CA-A-2 108 496, AU-A-7 302 194, AU-A-671 767, etc.

As shown in FIGS. 1 a & 1 b, a holster for a handgun 1 comprises a body which has an outer side 2 and an inner side 3 with reference to the position of the gun holder. These inner 3 and outer 2 sides may be formed by a single part made of one or several materials. This part has a general shape and characteristics such that, when it is folded, its two ends may be brought together either directly or by a junction system.

The two sides of the holster may also be separate parts that are joined at the front and the back of the holster either directly or by a junction system 4. The junction system 4 may serve as a guide for the gun in the holster and/or as any kind of system for retaining the gun in the holster. The holster may also be constructed around a frame.

In addition, the handgun holster has a front part which, by definition, is oriented forwards relative to the gun holder, and a back part located opposite the front part. The above-mentioned junction is normally made in the back part.

Firstly, a flap forming the cover belongs to the holster, the closure system typically comprising buckled strap(s) or press stud(s). Then, in general, a strap or a system of straps connects the two above-mentioned sides above the upper part of the holster and assists with retaining the gun in the holster. This closure is either simple, in the form of a strap fixed on one side and a fastener with press stud on the other, or comprises a device of the “thumb snap” type, which opens under lateral pressure from the holder's thumb.

Closure by strap is generally used on almost all the holsters in the state of the art, even those provided with an internal retention. The use of straps or of a flap in holsters nevertheless has drawbacks. Indeed, the movements required to use the strap, i.e. its opening and closure, are movements additional to grasping the gun that are generally complicated and scarcely compatible with the correct and rapid use of a handgun.

The patent application U.S. Pat. No. 4,858,799 describes a locking mechanism for a handgun holster with a locked position in order to prevent the withdrawal of the gun from its holster and a set of unlocked positions progressively requiring more force from the user in order to draw the gun from the holster. The position is selected by means of a control dial. In the case where the gun is a revolver, the locking device has the form of a mobile part of the equipment located at the level of the triggerguard (or triggerguard safety lock) provided with a cross locking bar that prevents the withdrawal of the handgun from its holster. By contrast, if the gun is an automatic pistol, this device is no longer suitable since typically the safety lock no longer has a back part that would allow the engagement of a cross locking bar. In this case, the patent describes a variant of the device where the mobile part of the equipment is fixed to the top of the holster, in a locked position, the locking bar being located behind the upper back part of the gun, in particular its hammer. This type of device only works for preventing the withdrawal of the gun in the axial direction. Therefore, a filler material has to be inserted inside the holster in order to prevent any movement other than the axial motion of the gun in the holster. Otherwise, the cross locking bar cannot play its part. There is no ergonomic contact with the mobile part that would cause automatic locking or release of the gun during its withdrawal from or return to the holster. This system typically has minimal automatic retention, the securing or locking system of the retention requiring adjustment and activation of the control button.

The patent U.S. Pat. No. 4,325,505 describes a holster for a handgun comprising a case for receiving the gun and a rigidified protection flap mounted to the case. The flap is attached by means of two spaced-out arms mounted on both parts of the case so that it can pivot on a hinge that is offset relative to the axis of the gun. The position of the flap closed over the upper back part of the gun is locked by quick closures of the press stud type. This rudimentary locking system for the holster is entirely manual and not very practical, it does not allow rapid withdrawal from or return to the holster. The systems described in the two above patents in no way allow the retention system to be opened or closed automatically by the natural movement of grasping the gun in order to draw it from its holster with the intention of shooting or in order to return the gun into the holster.

AIMS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention aims to provide a solution that overcomes the drawbacks of the state of the art.

Based on the fact that there are not many ways to draw a handgun from its holster, one aim of the invention is to provide the holster with one or several retention systems designed and combined in such a way that drawing the gun out of the holster is as natural as possible for the holder and is very difficult and complicated for a third party.

The invention precisely aims at providing an ergonomic and anatomical combination of automatic retention systems implemented by a security cover.

In addition, the invention aims to provide a handgun holster with a security and retention device that does not require the use of a strap.

Lastly, the invention aims to provide a handgun holster with a security and retention device that globally suits all handguns in all configurations and irrespective of the length of the barrel, the hammer, the breech, the shape of the triggerguard, etc.

MAIN CHARACTERISTIC ELEMENTS OF THE INVENTION

One first aspect of the present invention relates to an automatic security and retention device for a gun holster, preferably a handgun, said holster comprising a body provided with an outer side and an inner side, said device comprising a security and retention cover, connecting the outer side and the inner side above the body of the holster and:

-   pivoting forwards, when the holder puts the gun into the holster or     when he draws the gun, from a closed position to an open position,     around an imaginary axis that is perpendicular to the vertical axis     of the holster and cuts said outer and inner sides; -   then automatically pivoting around the same axis when returning to     its closed position as the result of a return force when the gun is     fully returned into the holster, hence retaining and securing said     gun, or even when it is drawn from the holster.

According to the invention, the cover is essentially located, in its closed position, in the axis of the holster and has, with a view to being opened when the gun is drawn by the holder, an extension located on the back side of the cover, designed to come into contact ergonomically and anatomically with at least one part of the holder's hand. This cover extension also has a shape and design such that, during its return to the holster, the normal motion of the gun for this action automatically causes said cover to open.

According to a first preferred embodiment of the invention, for the purposes of opening the cover when the gun is drawn by the holder, said extension is designed so as to come into contact ergonomically and anatomically with the outer lateral side of the holder's hand comprising the outer lateral side of his index finger and the area included in the metacarpal-phalanges angle between the index finger and the thumb.

As an advantage, the extension comprises a wheel to assist the hand to slide against the cover.

According to a second preferred embodiment of the invention, the cover has, for the purposes of its opening when the holder is drawing the gun, an extension comprising a rim on the back inner side of the cover offering an ergonomic support for the holder's thumb in order to pivot the cover forwards.

The rim preferably has cut-outs or is shaped in such a way that it can be adapted to the shape of the gun and/or its aiming mechanisms.

According to the invention, the attachment at the intersection of the imaginary axis with said sides of the holster is provided either on one side by a spindle and spring mechanism and by a spindle mechanism on the other side or by a spindle and spring mechanism on both sides of the holster body.

According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the device of the invention comprises a first part attached to the cover and pivoting around a rotation axis relative to a second fixed part attached to the side of the holster body, the return of the cover being ensured by a spring attached at one end to a pin mounted on the first part and to a pin mounted on the second part at the other end, the pin being located at an attachment point of the spring.

Still in this embodiment, either the plane of the inner side of the pivoting part coincides with the edge of the holster side or the spindle and spring mechanism has its own lower part on which the second part is attached and whose outer edge coincides with the plane of the inner side of the pivoting part.

As an advantage, the above-mentioned device also has, by way of additional security, a triggerguard lock with vertical control, for example of a push lever type, which is effective along an axis at 90° relative to this push lever and which can be activated by the holder's thumb.

In an alternatively advantageous manner, the above-mentioned device also comprises, by way of additional security, a side-controlled triggerguard lock, normally in a locked position, located at the level of a back junction of the holster and which can be unlocked by the movement of the holder's thumb towards the holder's body.

As an advantage, the lateral lock of the triggerguard comprises a lever arm outwardly ending in a tongue that can be operated by the holder, whose support is located at the lower end of the lock, the bolt itself comprising a truncated cylindrical protrusion capable of penetrating the holster inside the triggerguard of the gun, when the gun is fully put into the holster, and a return spring holding the bolt at rest against the internal wall of the holster, said protrusion then being located standing out inside the triggerguard.

Still as a advantage, the device according to the invention also comprises, by way of alternative additional security, a cover lock comprising a rod lever retained by a leaf spring, located at the level of the outer side of the pivoting part of the spindle and spring mechanism of the cover, in such a way that:

-   the upper end of the lever ends in a tongue that can be operated by     the holder's thumb; -   the lever is attached at its lower end on an axis that allows     transverse pivoting at the level of the lower end of the back     lateral side of the pivoting part; -   the leaf spring is riveted or clipped at its attachment points, on     one side on the lever below the tongue and on the other side, on the     front lateral side of the pivoting part; and -   the lever is normally retained in locked position by the leaf     spring.

Further advantageously, the device of the invention also comprises a cover-locking strap which, once it is attached, connects the two above-mentioned sides of the holster, or one of the sides of the holster at one end and the cover and/or the lock at the other end.

The strap is preferably attached either permanently on one side of the holster and removably by a press stud on the other side, on the cover and/or on the lock, or removably by a press stud on both sides.

Still according to the invention, the cover covers at least partially the hammer and/or the butt of the gun and/or the rear sighting mechanisms of the gun, possibly also on the front part of the holster, in particular the parts of said mechanisms that are visible in the dark.

A second aspect of the present invention relates to a holster for a handgun comprising an automatic security and retention device having the above-mentioned characteristics.

A third aspect of the present invention relates to the automatic locking of the cover for a security and retention device for a handgun holster, according to the principle of the invention, characterised in that it comprises a push lever maintained by a leaf spring, located at the level of the outer side of a pivoting part of a spindle and spring mechanism for the security cover in such a way that:

-   the upper end of the lever ends in a tongue operated laterally     relative to the holster by the holder's thumb so as to unlock the     device; -   the lever is attached at its lower end on an axis that allows it to     transversally pivot at the lower end of the back lateral side of the     pivoting part; -   the leaf spring is riveted or clipped to its attachment points on     one side on the lever below the tongue and on the other side, on the     front lateral side of the pivoting part; -   without any action by the holder, the lever is normally maintained     in the locked position by the leaf spring; and -   the tongue of the automatic lock is designed and configured so as to     cause the automatic unlocking of the lever simply when the gun is     put back into the holster.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 a, already mentioned above, schematically shows an embodiment of a security cover 5 for a handgun according to the invention, in an open position corresponding to the natural position of the hand grasping the gun. The security cover is combined with a holster that has an internal retention system of the triggerguard-locking type.

FIG. 1 b, already mentioned above, schematically shows the security cover of FIG. 1 a in closed position as a result of automatic return.

FIG. 2 a schematically shows a cover with a lateral wheel 6 on the outer side. This type of cover is only used with a triggerguard lock of the vertical push-button type. The outer side of the index finger pushes against the wheel of the cover whilst the thumb on the other side pushes the triggerguard-lock control downwards in order to release the bolt.

FIG. 2 b shows that, when the gun butt is grasped, the outer side of the extended index finger pushes against the wheel 6 of the cover 5 and opens it fully. On the other side, the thumb fully releases the triggerguard lock.

FIG. 2 c shows a rear view of the thumb pushing against the triggerguard lock control 8 and releasing it. The outer side of the index finger has also released the cover by swinging it forward.

FIG. 3 a shows a view, in closed position, of a spindle and spring mechanical device of the security cover according to the invention.

FIG. 3 b shows a view, in open position, of the device of FIG. 3 a.

FIGS. 4 a & 4 b schematically show in closed and open positions respectively, an embodiment of the inner triggerguard-lock with a lateral control according to the invention.

FIGS. 4 c to 4 e schematically show a preferred embodiment for the automatic locking of a security cover, detached from and then mounted onto the spindle and spring mechanism of the cover respectively, in unlocked and locked positions (holster for right-handed).

FIGS. 4 f & 4 g show the lock of FIG. 4 c mounted on a complete holster in locked and unlocked positions respectively (holster for right-handed).

FIGS. 5 a, 5 b, 5 c & 5 d show various designs of cover with inner opening rims and control tongue of the inner triggerguard lock.

FIGS. 6 a & 6 b show, in external and internal views respectively, the position of the thumb in the natural movement of the hand for grasping the gun in the holster.

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has the following noteworthy characteristics.

Automatic Security and Retention Cover (FIGS. 1 a & 1 b)

The cover 5 is a part made of a material that may be rigid or even rigidified either by a frame or by a rigidification treatment. This part is mounted on the upper part of the body of the holster 1. It connects the inner side 3 and the outer side 2 of the holster from above.

The cover 5 pivots towards the front of the holster around an imaginary axis crossing the inner side 3 and the outer side 2 of the holster. This forward pivoting motion defines the open position of the cover (FIG. 1 a). Attachment at the intersection of the imaginary axis with said sides is provided on one side by a spindle and spring mechanism attached to said side of the body of the holster and by a spindle system on the other side of the body of the holster, or alternatively by spindle and spring mechanisms on both sides of the body of the holster.

One example of a particular embodiment for this mechanism is shown in FIG. 3 a. The part attached to the cover 51 pivots around the part attached to the side of the holster 57, around a pivoting axis 55 (for a left-handed holster, the part is rotated the other way around) . Return of the cover is ensured by a spring 54 attached at one end to a pin 53 fixed to the part 51 and on the other side to a pin 56 fixed to the part 57. The pin 53 is located at an attachment point of the spring 52 for a right-handed holster (or 58 for a left-handed holster). For the sake of clarity, the side of the pivoting part 51 located on the side of the gun holder will be called the “outer side” and the other side, facing outwards, will be called the “inner side”. The two lateral sides of the part 51 will be called “front lateral side” and “back lateral side” respectively.

The cover and its spindle and spring system may also be mounted on the frame of the holster or on the frame (or an extension of it) of an internal retention system for the gun in the holster.

The pivoting motion of the cover is limited in the forward direction to a distance that is necessary and sufficient to allow the gun to be withdrawn from the holster by pulling it upwards (FIG. 3 b). The pivoting motion in the backward direction, defining the closed position of the cover, is limited so that the cover is positioned in the vertical axis of the holster (FIG. 3 a) and so as to prevent any withdrawal of the gun, whether it be accidental or malicious. The cover 5 is maintained in closed position or is pushed towards this back position by the spring system 54 linked to the spindle system 55 of the holster cover.

The shape of the cover, its ergonomic design, its position on the holster relative to the gun, how it works, its compatibility with other security or retention systems and the combination of these different elements give the holster noteworthy features for securing the gun both when it is in the holster and when it is drawn from the holster and when it is put back in the holster. These advantages do not exist in the security and retention devices of the state of the art or in any event in these devices used alone.

In addition, the operating principle of the cover encourages the holder to adopt a grip on the gun that is correct and complies with the security rules when drawing it.

The cover covers a large part of the gun and its mechanisms, making access to them very restricted, without having the major drawbacks of traditional covers.

When the cover according to the invention is implemented, it makes it very difficult for a person other than the holder to adopt a correct position in order to grip the gun which would open the security cover and release the internal retention system or the cover-locking system.

Opening the Cover

Because of its forward pivoting motion, the cover is mainly opened in the two ways described below.

Firstly, it is opened by the holder's hand with a movement sufficient for drawing a handgun from a holster with the intention of using it in compliance with basic security standards.

In order to do this, according to the present invention and as shown in FIGS. 2 a & 2 b, one of the preferred embodiments of the cover 5 is such that an extension 6 of the cover, on the outer side of the holster and towards the back, naturally comes, when the gun is drawn by the holder, into contact with the outer lateral side of the hand 10 of the shooter comprising the outer lateral side of his index finger and the area between the metacarpal-phalanges angle of the index finger and the thumb. This extension may be provided with a wheel system (wheel 6) or with another device as required in order to assist this part of the hand to slide against the cover. This wheel is nevertheless an optional accessory.

The shape of the cover 5 is such that it is automatically pushed in the open position by the natural movement of the shooter's hand 10 when he grasps the butt of the handgun in order to draw it from the holster in compliance with basic security standards, for example but without restriction, a firm definite grip without having the index finger on the trigger of the gun at the moment when it is drawn from the holster but in a position such that the holder may, immediately once the firing position is reached, decide to make this contact with the trigger. As an advantage, no movement other than that corresponding to the correct handgrip of the gun for drawing it, is necessary for this type of holster and security.

Secondly, the cover 5 is automatically opened by the handgun itself during the natural motion of the gun when it is put into the holster. The cover and possibly its additional bolt are designed to achieve this opening.

Closure of the Cover

According to the present invention, closure of the cover 5 is automatic. Firstly, once the gun has been fully returned to the holster, it releases the cover from its open position, which had previously been brought forward by a pivoting motion. The cover 5 may then pivot backwards and automatically return to its closed position. This motion is caused by the spring system 54 linked to the spindle mechanism 55 of the holster cover.

Once the gun has been put into the holster, the security cover, automatically closed, prevents the gun from being drawn from the holster since the upper part of the cover connecting the inner side 3 and outer side 2 of the holster prevents the gun from being drawn from the holster, even resisting a violent pull exerted on the gun because the force thus exerted on the cover 5 is not exerted in the opening direction. The ability of the cover 5 to retain the gun is completely independent from the force of the return spring 54.

At the same time, the cover forms a protection for the firing system of the cartridges if the hammer of the firing system is external to the gun. In this case, the cover allows the gun to be put into the holster with the hammer cocked or not.

Thus, simply returning the gun fully in the holster automatically secures the gun without requiring additional operations.

Secondly, when the gun is drawn from the holster, the cover automatically closes. One might otherwise suppose that it would remain locked in the open position. However, the principle is that, for one thing, the gun is automatically secured when put into the holster and, for another thing, it may be used in a natural way by the holder. The requirement for having an open locking system and thus also an unlocking one would go against this principle and would moreover be a useless and dangerous complication.

Covering the Sighting Mechanisms

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the closed cover covers the rear sighting mechanisms of the gun, and in particular the sighting mechanisms provided with parts that are visible in the dark or half darkness with which handguns may be provided, thus reducing the danger for the holder of being more easily seen. The design of the cover may moreover be such that it also provides this covering of the rear sighting mechanism on the front part of the holster.

Positioning of the Cover Relative to the Gun

This is achieved by sets of parts forming a separation width between the back junction of the two sides of the holster, the outer side and the inner side.

Several types, models or brands of handguns are generally available, in particular for law and order and security forces.

The principle of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is that the body of the holster and the cover are standard or almost standard (2 or 3 basic models). Only the set of parts for the back junction of the holster is specific to a particular gun, its design fitting the shape of the part comprising the triggerguard and the underside of the body or of the barrel of the handgun.

Thus, according to the invention, the same holster body may be common to several models of gun, which is not currently the case with the separating parts at the junction of the two sides of the holster and with the parts ensuring longitudinal locking of the gun, as described in the state of the art.

Locking Strap

In addition, a strap may be coupled to the security cover of the invention (not shown) in order to lock it. This strap is used during operations where security of the gun must be enhanced such as crowd control, where in principle the use of the firearm is only tolerated as the very last resort and under express orders. The strap may be attached either permanently on one side and removably by one or more press studs on the other side of the holster, on the body of the holster or, ideally, on the cover in such a way that, depending on its design or shape, it prevents its use, either by press studs on both sides of the holster, on the body of the holster on one side or on the body of the holster or ideally on the cover on the other side in such a way that, depending on its design or shape, it prevents its use. The strap prevents the cover to be opened. It may also lock the internal retention system by the same principle according to which it may lock the cover, the type of attachment of the strap onto the retention system for the triggerguard depending on the specific system installed. By contrast to the straps according to the state of the art, the strap of the cover is not to retain the gun but is an additional system for locking the cover.

Use Together with Other (Patented) Retention Systems

The security cover of the invention may be used in conjunction with other systems for retaining a gun in a holster, in particular retention systems on the triggerguard of the gun that are generally attached on or form the back junction system of the inner side and of the outer side of the body of the holster (see U.S. Pat. No. 5,419,474 or corresponding patents CA-A-2 108 496, AU-A-7 302 194 and AU-A-671 767).

These systems also advise the release of the gun from its secure position in the holster compatible with the correct grasping of the gun in order to draw it. This movement is compromised by the strap or the “thumb snap” that serves to prevent too easy withdrawal by a third party. The invention found a solution to this problem.

An optional standard strap may be used together with the device according to the invention but its use is restricted to very precise situations.

Lateral Triggerguard-Locking System

It was noted that an automatic triggerguard-locking system operated with the thumb in order to activate a push lever releasing a triggerguard-bolt, itself working along an axis at 90° relative to the push lever, may sometimes cause a problem when it is to be automatically operated (return and automatic lock).

In order to optimise the combination of such a bolt with the use of a security cover according to the invention, a simpler operating principle should be adopted for the triggerguard lock. In the option proposed, the thumb is used to open the security cover; to this end, a rim 7 is made on the back part of the cover 5 (see FIG. 5 a to 5 d).

The cover 5 thus has a rim 7 on the inner side of its back part, this rim serving to take the pressure from the thumb that rocks the cover forward as the index finger was doing by means of the wheel.

According to yet another embodiment, the push-button that controls the triggerguard lock is replaced by a tongue 80 with lateral control belonging to (or mounted on) the lock.

According to the invention, the lock 80 is lodged in a structure that is attached to the back junction of a holster (FIG. 4 a). This inner triggerguard lock with lateral control comprises a body 81, a bottom 82, a cover 83 (which may belong to the body of the holster), a screwing system for the back junction of the body of the holster 84, a return spring 85, the bolt itself 86 and the tongue 87 for controlling the bolt. To this end, it is placed on the holster in a similar way to the lock with vertical control; it may even use the existing structure of (possibly patented) vertical devices.

The lock 80 pivots in the manner of a lever 87 whose support is located at the lower end. The lock forms a lever arm and is kept pressed against the inner wall of the holster by a return spring 85. The control lever for the thumb extends the lever arm.

The side of the lock that is pressed against the inner wall of the holster has a truncated cylindrical protrusion 88 that penetrates the holster at the point inside the triggerguard of the gun when the gun is fully put into the holster.

The part 88 that is truncated towards the top of the holster also serves to open the lock by the pressure of the triggerguard of the gun that is put into the holster. When the gun is put into the holster, after the triggerguard has forced the lock to open, the lock closes again as a result of the action of the return spring 85, the cylindrical protrusion 88 thus being in the way of the triggerguard and therefore preventing the gun from being drawn.

The control lever for the thumb that extends the bolt serves to pivot the bolt on its support, which draws the cylindrical protrusion 88 out of the way of the triggerguard and allows the gun to be drawn from the holster (FIG. 4 b).

The control lever for the thumb is extended until it is high enough above the grip of the gun in the holster to an ideal position for the thumb to control it in its movement for grasping the gun. This height may therefore vary depending on the type of gun, the exact shape of the lever at its part in contact with the thumb that can also vary depending on the types of gun that differ in shape, angle and thickness of the butt and on the type of holster in which the system is installed (the lever may also be configured for a different finger (for example the middle finger) of the hand that grasps the butt of the gun when the hand closes around the butt).

However, this locking device does not by itself offer all the required security guarantees. It must be implemented in combination with the security cover according to the invention.

ANOTHER PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE AUTOMATIC LOCK

FIG. 4 c shows an automatic lock for the cover 80A comprising a rod lever 87A retained by a leaf spring 85A on the outer side of the pivoting part 51 of the spindle and spring mechanism of the cover. The lever 87A is attached at its lower end to an axis 89A that allows it to transversally pivot (i.e. perpendicular to the forward-backward direction) at the lower end of the back lateral side of the pivoting part 51. The other end of the lever 87A, i.e. its upper end, ends in a tongue 7A that can be activated by the holder's thumb. The leaf spring 85A is riveted or clipped at its attachment points on one side to the lever 87A below the tongue 7A and on the other side, on the other lateral side (i.e. the front lateral side) of the pivoting part 51. The lever 87A is usually retained in locked position by the leaf spring 85A (FIG. 4 e).

The actual body of the holster 1 may be designed in such a way that its edge coincides with the plane of the inner side of the pivoting part 51. A separate bottom X1 may also be provided for the spindle and spring mechanism, to which the fixed part 57 is attached and whose outer edge coincides with the plane of the inner side of the pivoting part 51. This particular embodiment with its own bottom X1 is advantageous if the type of holster requires it or if one wishes to make the operation of the spindle and spring mechanism independent from the holster body (FIGS. 4 f & 4 g).

The automatic lock 80A works as follows. The locking position is thus the position of the lever 87A pushed towards the bottom X1, if it is in position or towards the location where it would be positioned in the event that the body of the holster can advantageously replace it, of the spindle and spring mechanism, i.e. where the fixed part 57 of the spindle and spring mechanism is attached to the body of the holster 1.

When pushed towards the bottom of the spindle and spring mechanism by the spring 85A, the pivoting lever 87A attached to the pivoting part 51 extends beyond the plane of the inner side of the part 51 and thus prevents this part 51 from pivoting. Indeed, either the edge of the holster body 1 or the bottom X1 of the spindle and spring mechanism now stands in the way of the lever 87A, relative to a pivoting motion of the part 51 to which this lever is attached (FIGS. 4 e & 4 f).

When the holder's thumb pushes the lever 87A towards the outside of the spindle and spring mechanism, hence towards the body of the holder, the push lever 87A no longer extends beyond the back side of the pivoting part 51 (FIGS. 4 d & 4 g). The bottom of the spring and spindle mechanism X1 or the edge of the holster body 1 no longer hinders the motion of the lever caused by the pivoting of the part 51, which can therefore freely pivot. Lastly, the lever 87A, the part 51 and the cover 5 can therefore pivot forwards together as a result of the action of the holder's thumb.

The holder therefore achieves a lateral motion of the tongue 7A of the lock 80A with his thumb, then a motion forwards on this same tongue 7A that causes the opening of the cover 5 and thus the release of the gun.

Like the rim 7 (see above), the tongue 7A of the lock 80 is designed so as to come into ergonomic contact with the thumb of the holder who intends to grasp his gun.

Moreover, the tongue 7A is designed so that the lever 87A is also automatically unlocked simply by the gun passing by when it is returned to the holster.

The principle is thus that this lever 87A is normally forced into its locking position by a spring. The choice of the spring in the form of a leaf and its design, its attachment in particular made to the front part of the pivoting part 51, have been guided by simplicity and ease of assembly. In this configuration, the spring, whether riveted or clipped to both parts, maintains the entire system.

In a preferred embodiment (not shown on the figures), the body of the holster 1 is designed so that it can never oppose resistance to the cover opening motion of the tongue 7A and lever 87A. The separate bottom X1 of the fixed part 57, made of resilient material, presents an extended upper part shaped in such a way that its full thickness can sit in a corresponding recess made in the outer wall of the body of the holster 1. This extended part of the separate bottom X1 is provided with a transverse protruding element going through a hole also made in the wall of the body of the holster 1, in such a way that the protruding element can intrude the clearance of the gun in the holster and is designed so that it cannot hinder the sheathing motion of the gun.

By means of this protruding element, the holstered gun exerts force on the extended separate bottom X1 so as to cause the separate bottom X1 to protrude outside the outer wall of the holster body 1, sufficiently as to hinder the opening motion of the cover lock 80A, unless the cover lock is voluntarily unlocked by the holder of the holster.

The unholstered gun lets the separate bottom X1 sit within said recess in the body of the holster 1 where it cannot retain the opening motion of the cover lock 80A, even in a locked position of the latter.

In this preferred embodiment, the gun inside or outside the holster automatically selects if the bolt 80A needs or does not need to be activated by the holder of the holster in order to enable the opening of the cover and the system autolocks itself only when the gun is in the holster.

Consequently, the tongue 7A of the bolt 80A does not require, in this specific preferred configuration, to be designed so as to spontaneously cause unlocking of the lever by the motion of the gun when it is holstered.

Referring again to FIGS. 4 d & 4 e, according to a still preferred embodiment, the lock 80A and axis 89A system is set into a groove (not displayed) in the pivoting part 51 near and along the back lateral side of the pivoting part 51, preferably strengthening the system. In a still preferred embodiment, the leaf spring 85A can be replaced by a smaller one of any suitable type, located inside this groove.

Basic Characteristics of the security cover

The basic principle of the security cover is to give it a design or shape which, according to one preferred embodiment of the invention, in combination with another compatible form of retention, in addition to preventing the gun from being easily withdrawn from the holster by a third party and in addition to holding the gun securely in the holster, allows the holder to open it by means of a natural movement and to grasp the gun in order to draw it from the holster and keep it ready for firing.

FIG. 5 a to 5 d show the principle of a shaped cover with a rim 7 for opening it with the thumb and some possible implementation shapes.

This rim 7 on the back inner side of the cover is shaped in such a way as to offer the thumb of the hand grasping the gun a support for pivoting the cover forwards and thus releasing the gun.

The extension of the rim 7 over a larger or smaller area of the back ridge as well as its shape or its various shapes of cut-outs 71, or any other combination, make it easier for any gun according to its shape or to the shape of its sighting mechanisms to pass. The present invention meets this requirement without restriction on the possible variations of gun models. The shapes may of course be studied so as to simultaneously fit the largest number of guns.

FIGS. 6 a & 6 b show the operating principle of the cover with the sole movement of the thumb according to FIG. 5 a to 5 d.

The cover alone cannot provide adequate security with regard to some requirements for ensuring the protection of the gun against unauthorised third parties. This cover will therefore preferably work with and is compatible with one or more additional security devices.

The triggerguard-locking system with lateral control works very well with the cover with a rim and totally meets the requirements of the basic concept.

The cover with a rim combined with a simplified retention of the triggerguard with lateral control for the thumb ensures the unlocking of the gun in the holder's same natural grasping movement.

It is very difficult for a third party to seize the gun even if he knows how the security devices work: from the front or from the side, it is practically impossible to seize the gun; from the back, the third party almost has to be trained in handling the holster and the holder has to position himself ideally so as to allow the third party to make this movement, i.e. his arm sufficiently extended and his torso leaning forward, for example.

As for the cover with a wheel for the index finger, the cover with a rim works just as well with a triggerguard locking system operated by the thumb with a vertical push, whatever the mechanical system used, possibly patented (AU-A-7 302 194, AU-A-671 767, . . . ) Opening such a combination requires two stages in the same grasping movement of the gun:

-   release of the triggerguard lock by the thumb, -   opening of the cover by the thumb.

It may work with other similar systems. For instance, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,934,574, the gun is pushed downwards in order to open the lock; in U.S. Pat. No. 5,419,474, the gun must laterally pivot to be released from the lock, etc. Obviously if this triggerguard retention system requires an unnatural movement to operate, this unnatural movement will retain the disadvantages that this implies. This last possibility does not therefore necessarily meet the requirements of the basic concept and it is not an essential element of the present invention.

In addition, the cover with a wheel for the index finger is preferably combined with a locking system with a vertical button, as already described, since the natural movement of grasping the gun is precisely retained. It is however not very compatible with the above-described simplified lock since the opening motion for both are not of the same nature (vertical forwards motion for the index finger and lateral motion for the thumb).

The security cover in its various forms offers the advantage of having the following range of modular security systems depending on the user's needs and the type of operation, whilst at the same time respecting the basic concept of the invention:

-   cover with an extension for metacarpal control, with or without a     wheel, or cover with a rim combined to a triggerguard lock with     vertical control and a locking strap: maximum security, practically     impossible theft; once the strap is released, the situation is as in     the following case; -   cover with a wheel and triggerguard lock with vertical control: the     gun is released from two different sides with two different parts of     the hand (on one side the metacarpal angle of index/thumb and on the     other side the thumb); very high security. The movement is natural     but has two requirements and uses two fingers. Locking the gun in     the holster may be totally automatic if the lock with vertical     control allows it and works correctly; -   cover with a rim and triggerguard lock with vertical control: high     security, the whole system being concentrated in the inner part of     the holster, the gun is released with the thumb but in two     successive stages that may be very quick. Locking the gun in the     holster may be totally automatic if the lock with vertical control     allows it and works correctly; -   cover with a rim and simplified triggerguard lock with lateral     control: high security, natural and instinctive movement in a single     stage and with the thumb only, speed of action; the whole system is     concentrated in the inner part of the holster. Locking the gun in     the holster is always 100% automatic; -   cover with a cover lock: the whole of the security, closure and     locking system, which is totally automatic, is centralised in the     mechanism of the spindle and spring system cover; -   the three preceding combinations: “cover with rim and triggerguard     lock with vertical control” and “cover with rim and simplified     triggerguard lock” and “cover with a cover lock” also offer the     advantage of not creating any psychomotor conflicts at all for the     index finger, that is exclusively reserved for the trigger of the     gun; in this respect, the opening system by the thumb seems superior     to the system using the metacarpal-phalanges angle of the index     finger and the thumb, as well as the wheel. Indeed, the index finger     is the finger that will directly control firing and which is     therefore the last interface between the shooter's brain and the     gun. Experience shows that using the index finger for another task     in the process leading up to firing may, in the stress situation     that is always present, cause mental confusion or confusion in the     training experience. The metacarpal-phalanges angle of thumb/index     finger that presses against the wheel is very close to the index     finger, above all in the representation of its spatial position.     This may therefore lead under violent stress to momentary confusion     in the co-ordination of the index finger and the brain; -   each of the above-mentioned levels of security may be combined with     the addition of a strap.

All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.

The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) is to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. 

1. Automatic security and retention device for a gun holster, preferably for a handgun, said holster comprising a body (1) provided with an outer side (2) and an inner side (3), said device comprising a security and retention cover (5): connecting the outer side (2) and the inner side (3) above the body of the holster; located, in the closed position, essentially in the vertical axis of the holster; pivoting forwards when the holder puts the gun in the holster or when he draws the gun, from a closed position to an open position, around an imaginary axis that is perpendicular to the vertical axis of the holster and cuts said outer side (2) and inner side (3); then automatically pivoting around the same axis back to its closed position as a result of a return force, when the gun is fully returned into the holster, hence retaining and securing said gun, or even when it is drawn out of the holster; having, with a view to its opening when the gun is drawn by the holder, an extension located on the back side of the cover designed to come into contact with the outer lateral side of the holder's hand (10) comprising the outer lateral side of his index finger and the area within the metacarpal-phalanges angle of the index finger and the thumb; also having a shape and a design such that, when the gun is put back into the holster, the normal motion of the gun for this action spontaneously causes said cover (5) to open; characterised in that the extension comprises a wheel (6) assisting the hand to slide against the cover.
 2. Automatic security and retention device for a gun holster, preferably for a handgun, said holster comprising a body (1) provided with an outer side (2) and an inner side (3), said device comprising a security and retention cover (5): connecting the outer side (2) and the inner side (3) above the body of the holster; located, in the closed position, essentially in the vertical axis of the holster; pivoting forwards when the holder puts the gun in the holster or when he draws the gun, from a closed position to an open position, around an imaginary axis that is perpendicular to the vertical axis of the holster and cuts said outer side (2) and inner side (3); then automatically pivoting around the same axis back to the closed position as a result of a return force, when the gun is fully returned into the holster, hence retaining and securing said gun, or even when it is drawn from the holster; having, with a view to its opening when the gun is drawn by the holder, an extension located on the back side of the cover designed to come into contact ergonomically and anatomically with at least one part of the holder's hand; also having a shape and a design such that when it is put back in the holster, the normal motion of the gun for this action automatically causes said cover (5) to open; characterised in that the extension comprises a rim (7, 7A) on the inner back side of the cover (5) offering an ergonomic support to the holder's thumb in order to pivot the cover forwards.
 3. Device according to claim 2, characterised in that the rim (7, 7A) has cut-outs or is shaped in such a way that it can be adapted to the shape of the gun and/or its sighting mechanisms.
 4. Device according to claim 1, characterised in that the attachment at the intersection of the imaginary axis with said sides of the holster is provided either on one side by a spindle and spring mechanism and by a spindle mechanism on the other side or by spindle and spring mechanisms on both sides of the body of the holster.
 5. Device according to claim 4, characterised in that it comprises a first part (51) mounted on the cover (5) and pivoting around a rotation axis (55) relative to a second fixed part (57) mounted on the side of the body (1) of the holster, the return of the cover being ensured by a spring (54) attached at one end by a pin (53) fixed to the first part (51) and at the other end by a pin (56) fixed to the second part (57), the pin (53) being lodged at an attachment point of the spring (52, 58).
 6. Device according to claim 5, characterised in that either the plane of the inner side, i.e. opposite the holder, of the pivoting part (51) coincides with the corresponding side of the body of the holster (1), or the spindle and spring mechanism has a separate bottom (X1) to which the second part (57) is attached and whose outer edge, i.e. towards the holder, coincides with the plane of the inner side of the pivoting part (51).
 7. Device according to claim 1, characterised in that it also comprises, by way of additional security, a triggerguard lock (8) with vertical control, for example of the push lever type and which is effective along an axis at 90° relative to this lever and which can be activated by the holder's thumb.
 8. Device according to claim 1, characterised in that it also comprises, by way of additional security, a triggerguard lock with lateral control (80) normally in the locked position, positioned at the level of a back junction of the holster and unlockable by the movement of the holder's thumb towards his body.
 9. Device according to claim 5, characterised in that it also comprises, by way of additional security, a cover lock (80A) comprising a rod lever (87A) retained by a leaf spring (85A) positioned on the back lateral side of the pivoting part (51) of the spindle and spring mechanism of the cover (5) such that: the upper end of the lever (87A) ends in a tongue (7A) that can be operated by a movement of the holder's thumb towards his body in order to unlock the device; the lever (87A) is attached at its lower end to an axis (89A) allowing it to pivot transversally at the lower end of the back lateral side of the pivoting part (51); the leaf spring (85A) is riveted or clipped to its attachment points, on one side to the lever (87A) below the tongue (7A) and, on the other side, on the front lateral side of the pivoting part (51); without the holder's intervention, the lever (87A) is normally retained in locked position by the leaf spring (85A); and the tongue (7A) of the lock (80A) is designed and configured so as to spontaneously cause unlocking of the lever (87A) by the simple motion of the gun when it is returned to the holster.
 10. Device according to claim 8, characterised in that the lateral triggerguard lock (80) comprises a lever arm (87) outwardly ending in a tongue that can be operated by the holder, whose support is at the lower end of the lock, the bolt itself having a truncated cylindrical protrusion (88) that can penetrate the holster inside the triggerguard of the gun, when this is fully put into the holster and a return spring (85) holding the bolt at rest against the inner wall of the holster, said protrusion (88) then being located standing out inside the triggerguard.
 11. Device according to claim 7, characterised in that it also comprises a security strap that connects, once attached, the two above-mentioned sides (2,3) of the holster or one of the sides of the holster (2,3) at one end and the cover (5) and/or the lock (8,80,80A) at the other end.
 12. Device according to claim 11, characterised in that the strap is attached to the cover (5) and/or to the lock (8,80,80A) either permanently on one side of the holster and removably by a press stud on the other side, or removably by a press stud on each side.
 13. Device according to claim 1, characterised in that the cover (5) covers at least partially the hammer and/or the butt of the gun, and/or the rear sighting mechanisms of the gun, and possibly also the front part of the holster, in particular the parts of said mechanisms that are visible in the dark.
 14. Device according to claim 9, characterised in that the separate bottom (X1) of the second part (57) is made of resilient material and presents an extended upper part shaped in such a way that its full thickness can sit in a corresponding recess in the outer wall of the body of the holster (1), said extended part of the separate bottom (X1) being provided with a transverse protruding element going through a hole also made in the wall of the body of the holster (1), in such a way that said protruding element can intrude into a clearance of the gun in the holster and is designed for not hindering the sheathing motion of the gun, the holstered gun, by means of this protruding element, exerting a force on the extended separate bottom (X1) so as to cause the latter to protrude outside the outer wall of the holster body (1), sufficiently as to hinder the opening motion of the cover lock (80A), unless the cover lock is voluntarily unlocked by the holder of the holster, the unholstered gun letting the separate bottom (X1) sit within said recess in the body of the holster (1), where it cannot retain the opening motion of the cover lock (80A) even in a locked position of the latter.
 15. Device according to claim 14, characterised in that the lock (80A) and axis (89A) system is set into a groove located in the pivoting part (51), near and along the back lateral side of the pivoting part (51).
 16. Device according to claim 15, characterised in that the leaf spring (85A) is replaced by a spring located inside the groove.
 17. Device according to claim 1 further comprising a holster in combination with the device.
 18. Device according to claim 2, characterised in that the attachment at the intersection of the imaginary axis with said sides of the holster is provided either on one side by a spindle and spring mechanism and by a spindle mechanism on the other side or by spindle and spring mechanisms on both sides of the body of the holster.
 19. Device according to claim 18, characterised in that it comprises a first part (51) mounted on the cover (5) and pivoting around a rotation axis (55) relative to a second fixed part (57) mounted on the side of the body (1) of the holster, the return of the cover being ensured by a spring (54) attached at one end by a pin (53) fixed to the first part (51) and at the other end by a pin (56) fixed to the second part (57), the pin (53) being lodged at an attachment point of the spring (52, 58).
 20. Device according to claim 19, characterised in that either the plane of the inner side, i.e. opposite the holder, of the pivoting part (51) coincides with the corresponding side of the body of the holster (1), or the spindle and spring mechanism has a separate bottom (X1) to which the second part (57) is attached and whose outer edge, i.e. towards the holder, coincides with the plane of the inner side of the pivoting part (51).
 21. Device according to claim 2, characterised in that it also comprises, by way of additional security, a triggerguard lock (8) with vertical control, for example of the push lever type and which is effective along an axis at 900 relative to this lever and which can be activated by the holder's thumb.
 22. Device according to claim 2, characterised in that it also comprises, by way of additional security, a triggerguard lock with lateral control (80) normally in the locked position, positioned at the level of a back junction of the holster and unlockable by the movement of the holder's thumb towards his body.
 23. Device according to claim 19, characterised in that it also comprises, by way of additional security, a cover lock (80A) comprising a rod lever (87A) retained by a leaf spring (85A) positioned on the back lateral side of the pivoting part (51) of the spindle and spring mechanism of the cover (5) such that: the upper end of the lever (87A) ends in a tongue (7A) that can be operated by a movement of the holder's thumb towards his body in order to unlock the device; the lever (87A) is attached at its lower end to an axis (89A) allowing it to pivot transversally at the lower end of the back lateral side of the pivoting part (51); the leaf spring (85A) is riveted or clipped to its attachment points, on one side to the lever (87A) below the tongue (7A) and, on the other side, on the front lateral side of the pivoting part (51); without the holder's intervention, the lever (87A) is normally retained in locked position by the leaf spring (85A); and the tongue (7A) of the lock (80A) is designed and configured so as to spontaneously cause unlocking of the lever (87A) by the simple motion of the gun when it is returned to the holster.
 24. Device according to claim 22, characterised in that the lateral triggerguard lock (80) comprises a lever arm (87) outwardly ending in a tongue that can be operated by the holder, whose support is at the lower end of the lock, the bolt itself having a truncated cylindrical protrusion (88) that can penetrate the holster inside the triggerguard of the gun, when this is fully put into the holster and a return spring (85) holding the bolt at rest against the inner wall of the holster, said protrusion (88) then being located standing out inside the triggerguard.
 25. Device according to claim 21, characterised in that it also comprises a security strap that connects, once attached, the two above-mentioned sides (2,3) of the holster or one of the sides of the holster (2,3) at one end and the cover (5) and/or the lock (8,80,80A) at the other end.
 26. Device according to claim 25, characterised in that the strap is attached to the cover (5) and/or to the lock (8,80,80A) either permanently on one side of the holster and removably by a press stud on the other side, or removably by a press stud on each side.
 27. Device according to claim 2, characterised in that the cover (5) covers at least partially the hammer and/or the butt of the gun, and/or the rear sighting mechanisms of the gun, and possibly also the front part of the holster, in particular the parts of said mechanisms that are visible in the dark.
 28. Device according to claim 23, characterised in that the separate bottom (X1) of the second part (57) is made of resilient material and presents an extended upper part shaped in such a way that its full thickness can sit in a corresponding recess in the outer wall of the body of the holster (1), said extended part of the separate bottom (X1) being provided with a transverse protruding element going through a hole also made in the wall of the body of the holster (1), in such a way that said protruding element can intrude into a clearance of the gun in the holster and is designed for not hindering the sheathing motion of the gun, the holstered gun, by means of this protruding element, exerting a force on the extended separate bottom (X1) so as to cause the latter to protrude outside the outer wall of the holster body (1), sufficiently as to hinder the opening motion of the cover lock (80A) , unless the cover lock is voluntarily unlocked by the holder of the holster, the unholstered gun letting the separate bottom (X1) sit within said recess in the body of the holster (1), where it cannot retain the opening motion of the cover lock (80A) even in a locked position of the latter.
 29. Device according to claim 28, characterised in that the lock (80A) and axis (89A) system is set into a groove located in the pivoting part (51), near and along the back lateral side of the pivoting part (51).
 30. Device according to claim 29, characterised in that the leaf spring (85A) is replaced by a spring located inside the groove.
 31. Device according to claim 2, further comprising a holster in combination with the device. 